Anion-Dependent Aggregate Formation and Charge Behavior of Colloidal Fullerenes (n-C60)
Abstract
The fate and transport of colloidal fullerenes (n-C60) in the environment are likely to be guided by their electrokinetic and aggregation behavior. In natural water bodies inorganic ions exert significant effects in determining the size and charge of dispersed n-C60. Although the effects of cations on the behavior of n-C60 have been studied extensively; studies on the effect of anions are relatively few and thus were the focus of our investigation. The effects of anions (e.g., Cl- , SO42-) on average aggregate size (DH) and zeta potential (ZP) of n-C60 were found to be absent in presence of monovalent cations (e.g., Na+) over the tested range of pH (3-to-12) and ionic strength (0-to-20 mM). Similar observations were noted in the presence of multivalent cations (e.g., Mg2+) near acidic and neutral pH conditions. However, under alkaline conditions (pH~10) a strong anion-dependent reversal of surface charge was noted. The ZP of n-C60 changed from -65 mV, when dispersed in DI water, to +4 mV and +40 mV in the presence of SO42- and Cl-, respectively in a 10mM salt concentration (i.e., MgCl2 and MgSO4). The corresponding DH of the dispersed n-C60 changed simultaneously from 115 nm, in DI water, to 1450 nm and 225 nm for the MgSO4 and MgCl2 electrolytes. These findings provide a better understanding of interfacial interaction characteristics of n-C60 NPs, and may lead to remediation strategies for n-C60 NPs in the environment.
- Publication:
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AGU Fall Meeting Abstracts
- Pub Date:
- December 2009
- Bibcode:
- 2009AGUFM.H43B1011M
- Keywords:
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- 1803 HYDROLOGY / Anthropogenic effects;
- 1831 HYDROLOGY / Groundwater quality